How to Clean Your Washing Machine – Quick & Easy Steps

Consider this: 

You just finished a load of laundry, and instead of fresh, clean-smelling clothes, you notice a weird smell coming from your washing machine. Soap, dirt, and grime can build up inside over time, causing unpleasant odors.

No need to worry. Cleaning your washing machine is easy and only takes a few simple steps. Whether it’s just a quick cleanup or a deep wash, we’ll show you how to get it done fast. In a few simple steps, you can get rid of the bad smells and have your machine working like new.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Washing Machine

Cleaning your washing machine is easier than you might think. In just a few simple steps, you can get rid of bad smells, dirt, and keep your machine running smoothly. Let’s make it quick and easy for you!

Quick Steps to Clean Your Washing Machine

Step	What to Do	Tools
Clean the Drum	Wipe the drum	Damp Cloth
Clean the Filter	Rinse the filter.	Filter Brush or Sponge
Run a Cleaning Cycle	Run a cycle	Vinegar or Cleaner
Clean the Outside	Wipe down the outer machine.	Rag or Mild Detergent
Dry the Drum & Door	Leave the door open to dry.	Towel or Rag

 

Step 1: Start with Cleaning the Drum

Start by wiping the inside of the drum with a damp cloth. This will remove any dust, soap buildup, or dirt that can make your washer smell. 

Don’t forget to wipe around the edges and the rubber seal, as these places can hide grime. Cleaning the drum keeps your washing machine fresh and helps your clothes stay clean!

Step 2: Don’t Forget the Filter

Next, find the filter in your washing machine, usually at the bottom. Pull it out carefully and rinse it with water to clean off any lint or debris. A clean filter helps your washer work better and prevents blockages. This easy step makes sure your machine stays in proper shape.

Step 3: Time for a Cleaning Cycle

Now, it’s time for a deep clean. Run an empty cycle with a washing machine cleaner or use a mix of vinegar and baking soda. The hot water will help clean inside the drum, getting rid of any dirt or bad smells. This step is like giving your machine a nice bath, leaving it fresh and clean!

Step 4: Wipe the Outside Clean

Don’t forget the outside! Use a gentle cleaner or warm, soapy water to wipe down the outer parts of your washing machine. 

Clean the buttons, knobs, and surface to remove any dirt or fingerprints. It makes your washer look nice and also prevents any build-up from soap or water.

Step 5: Let It Dry Out Properly

Make sure it’s dry before you close the door again.

After you finish washing machine cleaning, leave the door of your washing machine open for a while. This lets the inside dry completely and helps avoid any bad smells or mold. It’s a quick and simple way to keep your washing machine dry and fresh between uses.

How to Make Your Washing Machine Last Longer

A clean washing machine works better and lasts longer. Here’s a simple guide to clean the drum, top-loader, and seals – so your clothes always come out clean.

Cleaning the Drum or Tub

The drum (or tub) of your washing machine is where your clothes go, so it’s super important to keep it clean. Over time, soap, detergent, and even dirt can build up inside, making your machine less efficient and leaving behind unwanted smells.

Steps to Clean Washing Machine Drum

1. Grab a damp cloth and wipe down the inside of the drum.
2. If you see soap scum or stains, try running a hot water cycle with a little vinegar to clean it out.
3. After that, make sure to leave the door open so everything dries properly, preventing any mold or musty smells.

Cleaning a Top-Loader

Top-loaders can have some tricky spots to clean. The agitator, which is the part that spins inside, can get filled with dirt, soap, and even lint. And the fabric softener dispenser often builds up gunk.

How to Clean Washing Machine’s Top-Loader

1. Use a small brush to scrub the agitator and get rid of any buildup.
2. Check the fabric softener dispenser and rinse it out with warm soapy water to clear out any dirt.
3. Run a hot water cycle with a little vinegar to clean out the rest of the machine.

Cleaning a Front-Loader

Front-loading washing machines have a few areas that need some special attention. The rubber seals around the door can trap water and dirt, and detergent dispensers can get clogged up. Plus, you might notice some mold or odors if you don’t clean them often enough.

How to Clean a Front-Loader

1. Wipe down the rubber seals with a damp cloth to remove any grime or water.
2. Pull out the detergent dispenser and rinse it under warm water to clear out any leftover soap.
3. Run a hot water cycle with a little bit of vinegar to clean the entire machine and get rid of any smells or mold.

A Sincere Suggestion

Sometimes, getting a little help makes all the difference. Helpling can take care of your washing machine inside and out, saving you time and effort.

Also Read:

• Things to Look Out for When Hiring a Maid: A Complete Guide
• The Ultimate Bathroom Checklist: How To Clean Your Bathroom
• Kitchen Cleaning 101: Best Ways To Clean The Kitchen Space

Clean Your Washer with Ingredients You Already Have

Cleaning your washing machine doesn’t always have to involve harsh chemicals. Using simple, natural ingredients like baking soda and vinegar can work wonders to keep things fresh and clean. These methods are not only effective but also eco-friendly and safe for your machine. 

Let’s have a look into these easy-to-use options:

Ingredients	What It Does	Quantity	Caution⚠️
Baking Soda	Cleans & freshens drum	1/2 cup	Don’t overuse It’s hard to rinse.
Vinegar	Removes soap scum & odors	1 cup	Don’t overuse May damage seals.
Dish Soap	Cleans stains & grease	1-2 tbsp	Rinse well to avoid foams.
Lemon Juice	Freshens & removes stains	1/4 cup	Test first on small areas.
Vinegar & Baking Soda Mix	Deep cleans & deodorizes	1/2 cup each	Don’t use it often Might damage seals.

Now, let’s get into detail of each:

Get Rid of Smell With Baking Soda

Baking soda is super easy to use and helps your washing machine smell fresh! Just sprinkle ½ cup inside the drum and run a hot water cycle. It clears away leftover soap and dirt. 

But don’t use too much – extra baking soda can be tricky to rinse out. Use it once in a while for a fresh and clean washer!

Clear Out Soap Buildup With Vinegar

Vinegar is a great way to clean your washer and remove bad smells. Pour 1 cup into the detergent drawer and run a hot water cycle. It works hard to get rid of soap scum. Just don’t use it too often—vinegar can wear out the rubber parts of your machine. Use it sometimes to keep your washer in top shape!

No Stain With Dish Soap

Dish soap can help clean stains and grease from your washing machine. Mix 1-2 tablespoons with warm water and wipe down dirty spots with a cloth. Make sure to rinse well so there’s no soapy foam left behind. Dish soap is a quick and simple way to keep your washer looking neat!

Lemon Juice – Natural Freshener

Lemon juice makes your washer smell fresh and clean. Pour ¼ cup into the detergent drawer and run a hot water cycle. It’s great for removing stains and adding a nice citrus smell.

Test it on a small spot first to make sure it’s safe for your machine. Lemon juice is an easy, natural way to freshen things up!

Vinegar & Baking Soda Mix –  Deep Cleaner

For a really deep clean, try mixing vinegar and baking soda. Put ½ cup of baking soda in the drum and ½ cup of vinegar in the detergent drawer, then run a hot water cycle.

This combo tackles dirt and smells like a pro! But don’t use it too often; it could damage the machine’s rubber seals. Save this trick for when your washer really needs it.

🚨Don’t Skip This! How Often to Clean Your Washing Machine

Your washing machine deserves a deep clean every 1-2 months. If you’re washing dirty clothes a lot or using it daily, cleaning every two to three weeks will help keep things fresh.

A little cleaning goes a long way in keeping your machine working well and smelling nice. Trust me, a quick clean-up now and then can save you from bigger problems later on.

Also Read:

 

5 Must-Follow Tips for a Clean Washing Machine

Follow these tips for better washing machine cleaning, and you’ll love how your machine performs. Your clothes will smell fresher every time.

• Use the Right Detergent

Always choose a detergent that suits your washing machine. Too much soap can leave a buildup, making it harder for the machine to clean your clothes properly.

Here’s a quick list I’ve made to help you pick the right detergent.

Detergent	Why It’s Good for Your Washer
Tide	Widely available Gentle yet effective cleaning.
Persil	Strong cleaning power Safe to use.
Ariel	Known for deep cleaning Available globally.
Arm & Hammer	Mild Hypoallergenic

 

• Don’t Overload It

Give your clothes some space! Overloading the washing machine can prevent clothes from getting fully cleaned, and it can cause your machine to work harder than it should.

• Regular Cleaning

Clean your washing machine once a month to avoid mold and odor buildup. It’s simple—just run a hot water cycle with a bit of vinegar or a washing machine cleaner.

• Clean the Seals

The rubber seals on the door can trap water and dirt. Wipe them down after each load to keep them clean and fresh.

• Leave the Door Open

After a wash, leave the door open for a while to let your machine dry out completely. This prevents mold and bad smells from forming.

Conclusion

Cleaning your washing machine is easy and really pays off. A clean washer works better, lasts longer, and keeps your clothes fresh and smelling great. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll keep your machine in good shape. Spend a little time on it regularly, and you’ll enjoy cleaner clothes and a machine that works like new.